England's skipper Joe Root backs decision to scrap Sri Lanka tour over virus fears

England Test captain Joe Root has backed decision to abandon Test tour of Sri Lanka over coronavirus pandemic, saying players' minds were "elsewhere". A practice match in Colombo was halted on Friday and team anunced y would be flying back to London. two-Test series, which was due to start in Galle on March 19, has been postponed.

Root backs decision to scrap Sri Lanka tour

England and Wales Cricket Board said physical and mental well-being of players and support staff was paramount.

"re was an element of relief. right decision has been me," Root told BBC.

"You could see looking at players that ir minds were elsewhere thinking about people back home. w that we can go and look after families and be with loved ones, that's put a lot of guys at ease." 

skipper said re h been a lot of talk about virus in dressing room and it h started to overshow cricket. "Looking at how quickly things have happened at home, you're thinking about family and friends who might be a bit more vulnerable and that's hard when you're a long way away. "It was clear it was getting in way of performance and affecting mental well-being of guys."  New Zealand abandoned ir one-day tour of Australia on Saturday after Wellington tightened border restrictions to combat spre of coronavirus. 

Im credits: AP